Match Preview: Norwich City v Sheffield United

Last updated : 06 December 2007 By @blades_mad1889

canaries vs blades
Norwich City have seen some turn of fortune since the arrival of new manager Glenn Roader and despite holding a bottom three position they held there own to beat Coventry City (2-0) and Blackpool (3-1) but unfortunately fell fowl of Stoke City (2-1) last Saturday at the Britannia Stadium.

Last Tuesday night the Canaries entertained Plymouth Argyle and got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win. City moved out of the bottom three as they got off to a great start when Chad Evens' ran clear of the defence to slot home Jamie Cureton's pass as early as the second minute.

Former Sheffield United striker Barry Hayles fired over the top and David Norris forced a save from City keeper David Marshall as Argyle made attempts to find a leveller.

Their hard work went undone when, with three minutes remaining the home side were awarded a penalty which Darren Huckerby duly slotted home before Kristian Timar netted a scant consolation for Argyle in the last minute of the game.

The Canaries expect to see former Liverpool and Rotherham United full-back Jon Otsemobor return to the side after he missed that defeat at City with a migraine.

Luke Chadwick faced a late fitness test ahead of the Pilgrams clash at Carrow Road - weather or not he took part in that game may decide if he plays against the Blades.

Possible Canaries Line-Up: David Marshall, Martin Taylor, Mo Camera, Jon Otsemobor, Gary Doherty, Darel Russell, Mark Fotheringham, Darren Huckerby, Matty Pattison, Chad Evans, Jamie Cureton.

Sheffield United go to Carrow Road on back of five games unbeaten away from Bramall Lane which started after a terrible display at Bristol City which ended in a 2-0 defeat in front of the camera's. Since then 'Captain Marvel' and his 'Red and White Army' have claimed points at Leicester City (1-0), Hull City (1-1), Stoke City (1-0), Charlton Athletic (3-0) and Coventry City (1-0) which has seen them accumulate 13 points.

And, had it not been for a disgraceful 1-0 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle on 24 November the Blades would have stretched their unbeaten league run to nine games home & away before they played Stoke City last Tuesday night.

United fans might as well not have gone to the game as they booed off their team in what was a dismal and unacceptable performance by the Red & White Wizards with Stoke City taking advantage of slack defending to wheel away with a 3-0 win.

Richard Cresswell got the ball rolling on two minutes when he turned in Liam Lawrence's low cross before James Beattie headed into his own net four minutes later. On stroke of 18 minutes the Potters found there lead tripled when Cresswell's header bounced off Ryan Shawcross and past a helpless Kenny.

The Blades go into the game at City without key defender Derek Geary (knee) who is injured whilst experienced due Rob Hulse and Lee Hendrie may return to the fold after a period of absence - the pair each netted twice as United beat Sheffield Wednesday Reserves 4-0 at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Phil Bardsley, Gary Cahill, Mattew Kilgallon, Gary Naysmith, Keith Gillespie, Chris Armstrong, Michael Tonge, Nick Montgomery, David Carney, James Beattie.


.:: Man in the Middle ::.

Referee: D. Deadman (Chesnut)
Assistants: S. Child & P. Martin
Fourth Official: I. Cooper

  • No Blades match officiated